Section Head III Immunology

POSITION SUMMARY

Under the direction of laboratory leadership is directly responsible for the prompt, efficient and accurate performance of a variety of serologic, chemical and microscopic procedures using both automated and manual methods on blood and other body fluids. Responsible for overseeing the coordination, direction and performance of staff assigned to and work performed in the Immunology department.  

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Education:

1. Bachelor degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience:

1. Completed an approved 12 month clinical laboratory internship.
2. Experience equivalent to at least three years of recent full time clinical laboratory employment in a hospital.
3. Will also consider the following similarly certified personnel with recent full time hospital laboratory employment: MLT with four years.
4. Preference will be given to the individual that has one more more years of competency with the following Immunology and Urinalysis: Diasorin, Panther, Sysmex UN3000.0

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities:

1. Possesses knowledge of the position and must be able to make logical and sound decisions based on knowledge and available resources.
2. Demonstrates the ability to organize, direct and communicate effectively.
3. Demonstrates initiative and interest in his/her overall job performance.
4. Always communicates effectively with laboratory staff, all hospital departmental staff, patients, medical staff and visitors.

License/Certification/Registration:

1. Certified Medical Technologist with ASCP, AMT, NCCLS or equivalent certification.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

Receives minimal supervision from the Medical Director, Administrative Director, and Pathology Managers and Supervisors. 

SUPERVISION GIVEN

Provides guidance to the staff working in Immunology.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Coordinates and prioritizes all work to be performed in the Immunology department of the Laboratory.
   1. Makes specific work assignments for self and other technical staff daily to ensure that the workload is handled efficiently, promptly and accurately.  Turnaround time policies for STAT and ED orders must be consistently adhered to.
   2. Reviews all departmental reports to verify accuracy, validity, format and timeliness on a daily basis. Promptly communicates all significant errors or findings to appropriate individuals as soon as possible to improve services.
   3. Communicates all departmental changes to laboratory staff immediately and clearly. Such changes may be with lab computer entry or format, instrument operation, supplies, or changes in a specific test procedure.
   4. Reviews the quality control for all testing daily. Assures that standards are met before any reports are issued. Consistently works to achieve and maintain departmental operations which meet the required standards of the College of American Pathologists, JCAHO and the Pennsylvania Department of Health. Completes team member training required for CAP inspections. 
   5. Enforces safety procedures consistently within the department and informs supervisors of potential hazards.  Maintains cleanliness of both work areas and instrumentation at all times.
   6. Assures the routine adherence of staff to hospital and laboratory reporting policies. i.e., communicating and investigating critical values, documenting phoned reports, guidelines for release of patient information, etc.
   7. Informs supervisor and/or pathologist of unusual results or discrepancies in patient results and documents any corrective actions taken as they occur.
   8. Performs or coordinates the performance of any proficiency testing or quality assurance study as they are scheduled or received in the departments.
   9. Reviews all surveys pertaining to testing run in this assigned area.
   10. Submits quality control data to computer centers on a timely basis to allow for inclusion in group comparison data.  Calculates quality control monthly if a computer program is not available sooner or if indicated by quality control problems noted from daily surveillance.
   11. Evaluates new products, procedures, equipment or techniques when requested and documents all pertinent information for review with laboratory leadership.
2. Maintains all Immunology equipment and supplies.
   1. Checks the performance of all instruments daily and maintains all equipment, including any back up equipment, in working condition at all times.
   2. Understands instrumental and procedural principles in order to effectively troubleshoot and make minor repairs or procedural changes whe